1954 DKF-161
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The Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161 1954 is a two-door convertible sports car that was produced by Kaiser Motors Corporation. The car was designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who had previously worked as a coachbuilder for Packard and designed the iconic "Darrin" line of cars. The DKF-161 was conceived as a low-volume, high-performance car that would serve as a halo model for the Kaiser brand.
The DKF-161 was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine that produced 90 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission, which sent power to the rear wheels. The top speed of the DKF-161 was around 100 mph, with a 0-60 acceleration time of approximately 11 seconds.
The suspension of the DKF-161 was composed of independent front suspension with coil springs, double wishbones, and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension featured a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. The brakes were four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which provided adequate stopping power for the relatively lightweight car.
The body of the DKF-161 was constructed using a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) material known as "Darrinite". This material was developed specifically for the car by Dutch Darrin and provided a lightweight and durable body that was resistant to rust and corrosion. The car's two-door convertible body featured a distinctive "pocket door" design, in which the doors slid into the front fenders when opened. This design gave the car a sleek and modern appearance, while also providing easier entry and exit for the occupants.
The interior of the DKF-161 was also designed with a focus on comfort and style. The seats were upholstered in leather, and the dashboard was finished in a combination of metal and wood-look trim. The instrument gauges were housed in a centrally-located pod, which gave the impression of a cockpit-style layout. The car also featured full instrumentation, including a tachometer, speedometer, and oil pressure gauge.
Overall, the Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161 1954 was a unique and innovative car that combined high performance, modern design, and advanced materials. Although production numbers were relatively low, the car has become an iconic symbol of American automotive design, and is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Milestones
· 1952 - Henry J. Kaiser and Howard Darrin start the design process of a fiberglass sports car· 1953 - Kaiser and Darrin create the prototype model named the KF-161
· 1954 - Production begins on the Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161, with a total of 435 units produced
· The car features an innovative sliding door design, which becomes one of the most striking design elements of the car
· It comes with a 161-cubic-inch, inline-six engine that produces 90 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 100 miles per hour
· The interior of the car is luxurious, with leather seats, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and a convertible top
· One of the most unique features of the car is the three-position convertible top, which can be raised, lowered, or kept partially open to let in fresh air while driving
· Despite its innovative design, the Kaiser-Darrin is not a commercial success, due in part to its high price tag and the limited production run
· The car becomes a collector's item, with a small but dedicated following among car enthusiasts
· Today, the Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161 remains a symbol of the creativity and innovation of the 1950s American car industry.
Technical
• Manufacturer: Kaiser Motors Corporation • Model: Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161 • Production Years: 1954-1955 • Engine: 2.6 L Willys Hurricane F-head Inline-6 OHV • Horsepower: 90 hp • Transmission: 3-speed manual with Borg Warner overdrive • Wheelbase: 100 in • Length: 153.5 in • Width: 63 in • Height: 49.5 in • Curb Weight: 2,175 lb • Top Speed: 100 mph • 0-60 mph: 12 seconds • Suspension: Torsion bar front suspension and rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs • Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes • Steering: Recirculating ball • Body Style: Two-seater sports car with fiberglass body and sliding doors • Production Quantity: Approximately 435 units produced • Other features: Heater, defroster, turn signals, and optional radio.